Time for Change

The upcoming release of my book, 21 Days to Better Balance, marks a milestone in the evolution of my creative vision—to bring my stories and analogies to the world and help people to find better balance in their mind, body, and spirit. 

Part of this evolution will be the phasing-out the original project I started in 2003, The Balance Factor, as well as my other related projects including Michael on the Move, Inspiration from the World, and Candy Store Creations. However, I am reminded—once again—how creativity is dynamic and change is good. Everything is a stepping stone to the next thing. As my friend and co-editor Beth Wallace once told me about the key to good writing, "You've got to be willing to 'kill your darlings' and let them go." Wise words, and so timely and apropos.

So the evolution is a new 21 Days to Better Balance blog! Click on the Blog icon on the 21 Days to Better Balance homepage and bookmark the page so you can continue to follow my adventures. I am looking forward to sharing my messages with the world and hearing the stories of how 21 Days to Better Balance is helping YOU find more balance in a busy world!

And remember to download a *free* copy of the e-book during the first 21 days of August. I'm hoping you will love it so much you will be nudged to buy more copies and share it with your friends. On the web site you can also find links to "Like" us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to the new Blog. 

To Your Better Balance! 

Michael Thomas Sunnarborg
Author, Speaker, Ambassador of Goodwill 

Your Frequency

(This entry is an excerpt from 21 Days to Better Balance scheduled for release July 30, 2011. Find the book and e-book at 21daystobetterbalance.com beginning August 1st!)

Quantum physics has found that there is no
empty space in the human cell, but it is a teeming,
electric-magnetic field of possibility or potential.
 – Dr. Deepak Chopra 

Everything that exists in our physical reality contains atomic particles; therefore, everything we observe has an energetic frequency. Objects that are mobile—such as humans and animals—appear to be “alive” since we observe their movements. Immobile objects, such as rocks, don’t appear to be alive but still have an energetic frequency. Frequency is the source of all physical form and everything we observe is vibrating at some level.

Our personal frequency is extremely sensitive. We don’t have an “off switch,” but we do have a rheostat that allows us to adjust our own vibrations. As with feelings, we are able to observe the frequency of others by the inflection of their words, body language, and facial expressions. We might refer to these observations as good or bad “vibes.” Our personal frequency is highly influenced by other people. Our energetic response to others can be a source of valuable information if we are aware of it. 

Being aware of your frequency allows you to notice
how people and environments affect you.

Personal frequency is like a radio station. Every radio station is unique. Each station has a different channel and different programming and plays different music. Higher frequencies aren’t any better than lower ones; they’re just different. For example, 101.5 isn’t a better radio station than 98.3; it just plays different music.

Similar to radio stations, each person has individual thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. We are tuned in to our own frequency and broadcasting our own music to the world through our being. When we meet people whose frequency is similar to ours, we tend to connect with them easily—we say we’re “on the same channel.” Being around people whose frequency is different from ours may cause us to feel uncomfortable or awkward. None of us is better than anyone else; we’re just different. Honoring the variety of frequencies gives us the opportunity to appreciate others, just like listening to new and different music.

Today's Affirmation: I am aware of my frequency and how it affects my balance.  

I hope these words help bring you more awareness and perspective. Find this thought and 20 others in 21 Days to Better Balance, and start finding more balance in your busy world.

Namaste,

The Ambassador of Goodwill

Changing Our Paradigms

According to my favorite web site, dictionary.com, a paradigm is, "an example serving as a model or a pattern". Our world is filled with many types of paradigms: social, cultural, and most importantly, personal, and these paradigms become the framework and filters through which we experience the world. Our personal paradigms form the foundations for our belief systems and whether we realize it or not we live our lives according to the paradigms we've created or subscribed to.

For example, many of us have subscribed to the paradigm of what is means to work: to make a living by contributing to society through organized effort based on preconceived structures and business models. We "go to work" for someone - a business, an organization, an existing entity, from which we receive money - a form of reciprocal energy - for the giving of our time and talents, and we use this money to pay for the expenses our lives incur. This paradigm supports our capitalistic western society and has been the foundation for the concept of employment for hundreds of years.

So? You say. What's the big deal? What's wrong with that? There is nothing wrong with anything - but I do find myself wondering why I have subscribed to the western paradigm of work. What about creating a business for myself and receiving money from it? Do I need to work for someone else? Is subscribing to this belief serving me? Did it, perhaps, serve me at one time but is no longer helpful? And am I limiting my potential by continuing to believe this paradigm? In March of 2009, I penned a blog entry about writing a Business Plan for My Life in which I dove into the topic of work and living out your passion.  

As a lifelong learner and seeker of my own interpretation of truth I often seek to challenge the paradigms I'm currently experiencing, whether they are mine or others. Why? Because I can. In my willingness to resist the status quo and seek out my own answers and meaning behind the pre-existing structures and beliefs in my world, I exercise my ability to explore options and "buck" the traditional system - and to experience being truly present. To be willing to challenge what I "know" in lieu of potentially discovering something new about myself - in short, to keep learning.

As Leonardo da Vinci expressed it: "Everything connects to everything else." If my belief systems are, indeed, connected to my experience, then paying attention to the results of my experience will allow me to decide whether changes in my beliefs are necessary. According to the Teachings of Abraham, "a belief is only a thought you keep thinking." If a belief no longer serves you, choose a new thought - create a new belief. You can read more about this from Esther and Jerry Hicks, authors of the Law of Attraction.

So what does this mean? It means that I have the power to choose and change my paradigms. Our power of choice is the greatest gift we can utilize in our entire lifetime. Challenging our paradigms is just one example of taking control of our lives and allowing ourselves to play larger - to step further into our potential. If you are not happy with the results your life is showing you, choose again! Connect with your mind, body and spirit; align your thoughts, feelings and intuition; and activate your power of choice and begin to truly bring more balance to your life. It's your choice.

Happy Spring!

The Ambassador

The Fear Factor

Unlike the TV program, The Fear Factor, facing our fears usually doesn't involve eating strange exotic bugs or surviving potential suffocation underwater while millions of people watch. Rather, our fears come to us in little annoying thoughts and messages... but sometimes we'd rather eat fat juicy spiders than face our fears. Why? Because we "fear" our fears.

Fear is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, our fears are merely information - signals to pay attention. It's how we respond to that information which makes the biggest difference and the largest impact on our well-being.

So let's apply the topic of fear to the Balance Factor awareness of mind, body and spirit. When we stay only in our minds, we have the potential to take our fears and create all sorts of “thoughts” about them. When we try and think ourselves through our fears we often create more fears in the process. What happens when you are afraid of talking to someone about a sensitive matter? You may create all sorts of their responses based on what you "think" they might say (which may help you prepare to speak to them), but after some good brainstorming we may be more nervous than before. Our minds start going in a hundred different directions based on the "what if..." question. Suddenly our concerns have turned to panic.

What about taking our fear a step deeper? Whereas our minds bring us thoughts, our hearts bring us the feelings surrounding our fears. When we bring our fears into our hearts and examine our feelings, we have the opportunity to see how many of our fears are, in fact, unfounded or silly. Perhaps just paranoia or misunderstanding. Many of our fears are based in the future or the past (I can’t believe I did that… what was I thinking? Or the "woulda should coulda" path). Sometimes we can use our feelings to help direct our responses to fear, but many times our emotions get the best of us and suddenly we're not able to think reasonably. And, once again, our fears take control.

There is an additional level of awareness that brings the most, and deepest, meaning to our fears and that is our spirit - our intuition. Spirit can bring our fears out of the darkness of doubt and into the light of truth. What do you really "know" about the fear are you feeling? How do your thoughts and feelings line-up with your intuition? What really feels true about the situation? Bringing our fears down into our center - becoming aware of our inner knowingness and trusting that gut feeling in our intuition, we now have the ability to tap a deeper level of understanding - our core beliefs - our inner truth.

When we are aware of our thoughts, feelings, and intuition, we have access to the most information from which to create our responses, which in turn create our reality. When we are in alignment with our body, mind, and spirit we can take each into consideration and activate our response based on a new pool of information. That, indeed, will help us to take our fears and deal with them logically, emotionally, and intuitively.

And all without having to eat bugs. Well, not unless you're into that :o)

Namaste,

The Ambassador

The Benefits of Silence

"Shhhh... be a quiet for a minute. I need a moment to think."
"Let's take a moment of silence to remember this occasion."
"It was in the silence that I found the answer."

The benefit of silence. It is something we all experience at different times and in different forms. Sometimes we create it; other times we simply notice it... we notice that it's already there - it's always there, but we just stop long enough to notice it - to actually hear it.

But what really is silence? Is it anything at all or is it nothing? But isn't "nothing" something? Um, what? Nothing? Something? Exactly. Nothing is something. It the absence of what is - it is the contrast to what we can perceive as some-thing. It exists and takes the place of other activities or events when "no other thing" is going on. It is no-thing. Let me frame it this way: think back to when you were 8 years old and you just got home from school and all you wanted was to "do nothing"? Ahhh - now, perhaps, you understand the value of doing nothing. It's time away from doing something, anything.

So where does silence fit into all this? Because silence is a powerful tool when you use it. That moment of silence contains power - and it also contains healing. The mind, body and spirit want to be active, but they also need downtime - time to be "rebooted" so-to-speak. Finding silence is the basis for meditation and all other forms of relaxation techniques to get us out of minds and bodies and into our spirits - to let our heads and hearts take a well-deserved break and allow our spiritual nature (which is a "natural" part of us) to be refreshed as well. Silence can be found through the act of doing nothing, but also comes when you eliminate the stimuli of your environment. It will require that you find a quiet space and be still: quiet your thoughts, calm your emotions, and relax your body - all parts of your human "doing". This will allow you to reconnect to your spirit - your human "being". Silence then becomes fuel for the soul.

Reconnecting with your spiritual energy brings your mind, body and spirit into better alignment - better balance. This gives you clearer access to your intuition and feelings, which are the languages of the soul. Mind, body, spirit working in harmony and unity are the key to finding your balance factor.

This week take time to find a quiet space and enjoy some of the benefits of silence. Allow your spirit to be refreshed by quieting your head, calming your heart, and tuning into your spirit.

Be Well,

The Ambassador

A Body in Balance

When we think about body balance the first thing that usually comes to mind is our physical health - diet, exercise, health and wellness - everything that affects our body’s natural physical balance. Remember that "we are what we eat and drink, feel and think”. Inside or out, our sense of balance starts with how we view and respond to ourselves.

A healthy body is the result of a healthy balance between diet and exercise. Now I don’t mean “diet” in the way of starving ourselves and eating rabbit food, but making healthy and nutritious choices. And three words: water, water, water. Oh, and did I mention water? (more on that later).

In the spirit of body balance, let’s focus today on exercise. We need to exercise. Let me repeat that. We need to exercise. Why? Because the body was meant to be in motion. Sure – there’s plenty of time for rest, but lack of movement is one of the single biggest contributors to poor health. Get moving! If you are already exercising, great! Keep it up. If you need some motivation, start with baby steps - seriously... just start putting one foot in front of the other.

So whether you go for a morning walk or work out at a gym regularly, here are a few simple and useful tips to help you move towards a more balanced body:

1.    Stretch: Stretch Before and After Exercise

Take a few minutes to stretch both before and after you exercise and you may decrease the risk of injury to your muscles and increase your flexibility. This also allows the blood to move into the muscles more quickly. Try to hold your stretch, without bouncing, for 10 seconds or more to receive maximum benefit.

2.    Stay Motivated: Bring a Friend or Mr. Music With You!

Keeping yourself motivated to exercise can be one of the biggest challenges of a healthy exercise routine. Find a friend who will exercise with you or purchase an MP3 player or iPod (my favorite motivational tool) and let the music keep you moving! There’s nothing like great music to get, and keep, your body in motion.

3.    Mix It Up: Change Your Routine Regularly

Be sure to change the different ways you exercise every 2-3 months or your body will adjust to the medium and you will plateau. Providing your body with changing sources of stimuli is good. For weight training, try to find a nice blend of free weights, exercise machines, and other body training equipment. Most health clubs will have a variety of this equipment for you to try and discover what works best with your body. For conditioning, try a variety of activities; walking and running (both outside and on a treadmill—they’re very different!), aerobics, biking (both outside and stationary), step machines, and other cardio equipment. To calm and soothe the body, try yoga.  Whatever you do, mix it up! Try something new and listen to how your body responds.

4.    Rest: Balance Physical Exercise with Rest

Be sure to balance exercise with plenty of rest. This includes both during your exercise session as well as throughout your week. Rest is critical. Listen to your body and respond to its messages. And remember to allow your body time to respond to any changes you introduce: if you’re trying to get in better physical shape, slower changes last much longer than fast ones!

5.    Calendar It: Make a Date

My friend Honoree always says, “If it’s not on the calendar, it’s not gonna happen!” That is so true when it comes to exercising. Schedule it on your calendar and be sure to write it down. Treat exercise like an appointment with your body—the most important client you will ever have! This not only builds good habits but shows commitment to yourself and your goals. And, most importantly—keep the date. Don’t stand yourself up. Remember: this is a lifelong relationship, so give it your best.

Be Well and Happy Spring!

The Ambassador

Mind: Teacher, Creature or Companion?

"It's mind over matter." "Do you mind?" "Make up your mind!" "Oh, never mind..." Just think about how frequently "mind" enters our daily conversations. Our minds are an integral part of our three-part being: Mind, Body and Spirit. We often associate mind with our head, thought, and logic. But despite the form in which we imagine our minds to take, let's take a closer look at a few of the different roles our minds play. You mind?

The mind is an amazing and complex teacher. It re-minds us when we’ve forgotten facts or figures and helps us through a challenging intellectual conundrum, whether it’s an academic test or the birthdays of our family members. It causes us to think when we need to make a decision, and uses our previous experiences as a references in order to make a sound decision. It keeps a record of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done, giving us the gift of contrast (“been there; done that”). It sends us signals that something might be awry and we need to pay attention to it. It is the reflective and supportive adviser – helping us weigh the pros and cons from changing our internet service provider to changing our views about the importance of diet and exercise. It’s with us every day, every hour, every minute, and doesn’t like to be shut off. But once in a while it will allow us to be out of it – maybe for a minute, an hour, or a day – and then when we reunite it's like plugging back in and booting-up.

The mind is an amazing and complex creature. It creeps around and waits for the opportunity to jump out and scare us, or when we’re not looking it sneaks over and steals the cookie off our plate. It walks around with a mirror and tries to make us look into it so it can tease and ridicule us about our appearance, our attitudes, or our behaviors. It is the constant critic carrying around a big fat history book of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done – and then takes those ideas, words, and actions - twists them, misinterprets them, and uses them against us like a court of law where we are guilty until proven innocent. It has a pocket voice recorder and plays back every negative word that every person has said to us that “sticks” like those little thorn bristles we get all over our socks when we run through a dry field (damn things are always hard to pull off and they poke you. Ouch!) It keeps us up at night, wakes us up with a headache in the morning, and just won’t stop running. And we’re tired of chasing it. Sometimes we’d rather be without it. It controls our manners when we’ve been scolded and is told to "never be” when something has been disregarded. It makes us feel crazy and out of control. It causes us to spiral downward.

The mind is an amazing and complex companion. It is there when we need to remember where we parked the car in the stadium parking lot, or re-minds us who we really are if we forget. It’s there to provide a history of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done, and re-minds us about our progress and how far we’ve come. It plays back the recordings of anyone who’s ever thanked us, praised us, or shouted our name as we raced toward the finish line. It allows us to take a moment to pause and reflect upon a fond memory triggered by a beautiful song or the smell of fresh-baked cookies. It’s there to help us stay calm amidst a crisis, or speak a kind word to a friend in need. It’s our constant friend, confidant, and partner. And it always answers when we call. It’s there to motivate, encourage, and inspire us, and becomes the coach urging us to hang in there and just keep swimming. It reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes, and it forgives us every time – no exception. It loves and accepts us as we are. It is our best friend and our family. It holds us when we are alone and reminds us that everything will be okay.

Question: Is your mind the Teacher, Creature or Companion today? Depending on the situation it could be one, two, or all three – but the most important fact is that it’s our choice. We are not a part of our minds; our minds are a part of us. And we have been given the power to choose how our minds work for and with us. When our minds are working for us in a positive and supportive way, we can better connect with our bodies and spirits to bring more alignment and consistency to our lives. That’s the secret to finding more balance!

Today, become aware of your thoughts, the role of your mind, and remember you have the power of choice. Then, choose wisely… for it is, truly, “all in your mind”.

Namaste,

The Ambassador

In The Zone

"Wow – what an amazing film!” My first words after seeing the powerful and visually stunning film, Avatar, in 3D. The movie was so powerful on many levels—working through physical, emotional and spiritual planes. I was totally engaged. In fact, it took me about 30 minutes to come back to my “reality”.

That feeling of engagement is when you are connected to the energy inside you—the feeling of being fully present and balanced... whether induced by a film, book, or even just a conversation with a good friend or loved one. When you are engaged you are immersed. Being in this state is often termed concentration, but it can also be considered bliss, flow, or what is commonly referred to as being “in the zone”. You do it all the time, but you probably didn’t consciously realize it.

Now you can choose to be engaged in negative or positive energy. Connecting with negative feelings will bring more negative energy, so rather than ignore negative things simply acknowledge them but refuse to play. Avoid negativity by turning your focus to those things (and people!) that are positive and nourishing. Keep your zone clear!

So let’s focus on positive zones. What types are there? If you happen to be drawing, painting, writing, or building something you might be in the Creative Zone. So what about some of the others?

·       Cleaning Zone: How many times do you get the inspiration to clean and suddenly find yourself cleaning a closet, rearranging an entire room, or scrubbing the crusted food off your stovetop? It may help you to be inspired by playing your favorite music or wearing your favorite shirt, but you are definitely engaged in the activity. Suddenly, cleaning is fun and you’re being productive at the same time. Bonus!

·       Reading Zone: You happen to pick up a book, magazine, or newspaper, and you are suddenly drawn into the story or articles. You can feel the emotions, identify with the people/characters, and almost feel the environment surrounding the events of which you are reading. The words seem to transform your current state of consciousness and you "lose yourself". This temporary escape can be fascinating and help you to take a much-needed break. Try it!

·       Spiritual Zone: Often referred to as a state of meditation or deep relaxation, you can detach from your physical and mental forms (body & mind) in order to reconnect with your soul (spirit). In this zone ideas come and go freely, and there is no judgment—it’s all good. With practice it’s quite easy to enter this zone through Deep Breathing, Yoga, Tai Chi, Rebirthing, Guided Meditation, Hypnosis, or Bodywork (including massage, Reiki, and healing touch). Being in the spiritual zone helps put your energy back into alignment, and alignment assist you with your passion and purpose.

·       Physical Zone: Have you ever been completely unmotivated to perform a certain task (i.e., mow the lawn), but once you got off your rear, started moving, and “just did it” you realized your body’s natural energy started to increase? As your blood warms your muscles you naturally begin to emit more energy and you start becoming “energized”. Pretty soon you have forgotten about everything except for mowing that lawn! It’s awesome. Exercise also induces this state of flow, especially when you add your favorite music :o) Remember: when you respond to your body, your body responds to you.

·       Musical Zone: Have you ever been swept away by tranquil classical music or instantly transported back in time by listening to a song? Then you've experience the Musical Zone. Music connects with the spiritual energy inside us and helps to create whatever feeling you need at the moment. In fact, melody and words can transform your mood and take you to a "different" place. It's very powerful.

Now there are other zones but my point is that entering into the zone—any zone—can stimulate your creativity, energize you, and refuel your tank. The most important thing is to get in the zone! Allow yourself to be immersed and feel the positive charge it can bring. And, above all else, have FUN.

Make it a great day,

The Ambassador

Goals or Intentions - What's the Difference?

At the beginning of each new year I always take time to sit down and list my goals for the upcoming year. These goals usually include a mix of career, personal, and family items - and they all contain an "amount" of some sort along with a time frame within which I want to accomplish the goal. For example, one of my goals for 2010 is to eliminate my personal inventory by 50% (reduce, reuse, recycle) by June 1st. This goal will help me follow my own advice and get organized, and by setting this goal with a specific date suddenly makes it measurable. You can do this, too! It's a great way to know what to focus on for the upcoming year.

Now, goal setting was the perfect activity for my mind, but once I had completed my "10 Goals for 2010", my spirit wanted to follow that action by creating intentions. What's the difference? I'm glad you asked. While my favorite web site, Dictionary.com, defines a goal as, "The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective," intention is defined as, "the end or object intended; purpose." The mind creates an objective; the spirit creates a purpose. Similar, yet unique in their own ways. For example, one of my intentions for 2010 is that I will create more deep and meaningful relationships with others - old friends and new ones. I then added more detail to my intention by describing the types of relationships I want to create and what the result will be from those relationships, but not so much in chronological time (like my goals), but in spiritual time (when they manifest). Plus, at the end of each intention I add, "...this or something better," reminding me that my intentions are adding to the creative momentum that my life takes which could very well lead me to even better things! So it goes.

Another important aspect of setting intentions is to make them for yourself. Whereas goals may include the cooperation and support of others to reach, intentions are "intended" to be for your own growth and development - they cause a change internally. By paying attention to your inner self you make the important personal investment in your own growth and development. Let others be free to create for themselves!

So why did I find it so important to perform both goal and intention-setting activities this year? Because I am practicing the art of the balance factor - engaging my mind, body and my spirit - allowing me to access my deepest truths and assist me in making the best (and highest) possible choices. It's a wonderful growing experience and I always learn more by trying new things!

This week, try setting goals and intentions for yourself in 2010 and make this year a time of transformation, resolution and creative manifestation. Why not? It all begins with you.

Be Well,

The Ambassador

What is The Balance Factor?

The Balance Factor began with two very different life-altering conversations.

The first occurred in 1996 when a good friend and I stood in front of a hand-drawn picture on his wall depicting three rings: yellow, red, and blue, each intersecting one another like the rings of the Olympic symbol. I asked him what this picture meant and he replied, “Balance of mind, body, spirit. Three domains of energy each on its own, yet united in equal portions create balance.” I understood what he meant right away for he had articulated something I’d also observed—there’s a sense of balance in life, and this balance is found through a harmonious blending of the mind, body, and spirit.

The second conversation was with myself, thanks to Shirley MacLaine in the The Evening Star (the follow-up film to Terms of Endearment), when her character, Aurora, states, “I have come to the conclusion there’s no such thing as a mistake; I think we all create what we need.” When I heard those words I had another light bulb moment. Until then, my focus was on the external factors bringing me insight into the meaning of my past and present, but Aurora's words triggered my focus to move inward. I suddenly realized the process of creation actually begins inside of me. My outer experience is merely a reflection of what’s happening on the inside! This inner perspective resonated with me for several days. I wondered, could I really have a hand in creating my experiences, including my mistakes? Could I truly be the creator of both my “good” and “bad” experiences?

Eventually I came to the conclusion that I was, indeed, creating my own experience by managing my response to what was happening around me. Even though my reactions were natural and rather spontaneous (part of the human animal), I could choose my responses. I had a hand in creating every thought I’d been thinking, choice I’d been making, consequence I was experiencing—every joy and every pain! But the deepest truth was that all of it was necessary. Each mistake was an opportunity in disguise—a lesson to learn more about who I really was.

I began to focus my energy on paying more attention to the idea that my mind, body and spirit each played an integral part in determining my thoughts, feelings and intuition. As my awareness of how they were all connected increased, so did creating new experiences become my new reality. It was a moment of truth when I realized that I was truly the artist of my own life – I finally felt alive, awake and empowered. Through a three step process of 1) Awareness, 2) Alignment, and 3) Activation, I've been able to use this perspective of mind, body and spirit to help assist me with every decision I make. I can now listen to all three: thoughts, feelings and intuition! And, in return, my decisions (and outcomes) are in alignment with my current state of being. This is good!

My questions to you: How do you engage your mind, body and spirit in your life? How much balance do you feel? How can a change in your awareness lead you to a more balanced perspective? Why am I asking you so many questions? Because when you ask questions, you get answers... sometimes when you least expect them!

Just remember: Ask and you shall receive.

Happy Autumn!

The Ambassador

The True Power of Choice

Body Speaks

On March 27, 2009, I was diagnosed with Level 3 malignant melanoma--skin cancer.

Although there are many different types of skin cancer, melanoma is by far the most lethal and spreads the fastest... that is unless you catch it early. Luckily, I have a great dermatologist, Dr. Ide, who had the eye to spot this suspicious looking mole on my back, take the biopsy, and have it analyzed right away. It was, indeed, a cancerous tumor. His suspicions were right on.

Upon receiving my advanced diagnosis I met with the surgeon, Dr. Economou, another excellent physician from whom I've received surgical support in the past, and the news was that Level 3 was still a step above the level of lymph (Level 4), which is a very good sign. My prognosis was very good. We scheduled my surgery for a wide excision the following week to remove surrounding tissue. The surgery went very smoothly and I'm happy to say that all of my pathology reports came back clear! The cancer has been removed from my body. From diagnosis to cure in two weeks. Now that's incredible.

Mind and Spirit Respond

I happened to be at our home up in Bemidji spending a weekend alone when I got that call from Dr. Ide's office informing me of the initial diagnosis. Not good news--in fact, the worst kind in the case of this cancer. Now to sit and wait for detailed lab results the next week... it was going to be a long weekend. So what kind of mood was I going to be in for three days? Sad? Angry? Worried?

Or, at peace.

Initially I faced my fears as I sorted through the possibilities, but it really didn't last long. I made a choice at that moment to accept this reality, accept my body, and accept the process of what was happening to me. I looked at this diagnosis with gratitude--an opportunity to pay attention to my body and listen to its messages. I was thankful for this "wake-up call" (literally!) to truly love and accept myself as I am.

I immediately moved to thoughts of peace and acceptance. I had every belief that my body was already healed--and that was my choice. I called my Mom & Dad, my sister, and a couple of my closest friends so I could talk about what was happening. As soon as I felt their love and support I was able to stay in that place of peace and acceptance. My body was strong, healthy and disease-free. And I believed it. Sure, I needed to walk through the next two weeks of consultations, surgery and recovery, but in my heart I knew that I was already healed. And so I was.

You see, one of the biggest gifts we all possess is the power of our choices. We choose every day, every hour, every moment, how we respond to the world around us. And in my case I was given a powerful opportunity to make a choice about my body and its ability to heal itself. I chose acceptance and love, not resistance and fear--and that choice stemmed from my belief that I was truly healed. The body may be delivering the most "tangible" message (easiest to recognize), but the mind and spirit are also working in tandem all the time! Thoughts, feelings, intuition--a powerful combination when connected and balanced.

This week I urge you to use your power of choice to create the reality you truly choose to believe regardless of what your current circumstances may appear to be. Take the opportunity to begin within--connect with your mind, body and spirit, and listen to the messages they're sending you. After all, it's your choice.

Peace.

The Ambassador of Goodwill